Skip to content

Question

A 2.5 L sample of a gas at STP has a mass of 5 g. If it contains only nitrogen and oxygen, what is its empirical formula? (Atomic masses: N = 14, O = 16)

Options

Choose one · Correct answer highlighted

Explanation

Moles = 2.5/22.4 ≈ 0.1116 mol; molar mass = 5/0.1116 ≈ 44.8 g/mol. Assume NₓOᵧ: 14x + 16y = 44.8. Simplest ratio: N₂O (14×2 + 16 = 44); empirical formula = N₂O.